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Today, Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg fired Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) Chair Shannon O’Brien, who was responsible for overseeing the state’s legal marijuana market.
Goldberg said she fired O’Brien after carefully considering more than 20 hours of meetings held earlier this year as well as various documents, case law and policies. Goldberg said she fired O’Brien because she “committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a CCC commissioner.”
Late last month we reported that the website for the CCC went down for several days, and sales data has not been updated since June.
“I do so with deep regret because she has a long history of public service, and when appointed I anticipated she would lead the Commission capably and in an appropriate manner,” the treasurer said. “I expect my appointee’s actions to be reflective of the important mission of the CCC and performed in a manner that incorporates the standards of professionalism required in today’s work environment.”
Goldberg’s office said she plans to name a new acting chairperson for the CCC soon.
Max Stern, a lawyer from Todd & Weld who represents O’Brien, said the firing of O’Brien “whitewashes the unequivocal evidence that would lead any reasonable and fair fact-finder to conclude that there are no grounds for removal and would immediately reinstate her to steer the rudderless the [sic] CCC shipwreck.”
Goldberg’s statement did not provide specific details about O’Brien’s alleged misconduct or her inability to serve as chair of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Her office also declined to release any documentation outlining the reasons for her dismissal.
Previously, Goldberg cited two justifications for O’Brien’s suspension: allegations of racially insensitive remarks and mistreatment of former CCC Executive Director Shawn Collins, who was once Goldberg’s deputy. O’Brien denied these claims and sued Goldberg last fall.
Stern, O’Brien’s attorney, said her efforts to reform the CCC led to a backlash, particularly from Collins, whom Goldberg had appointed. According to Stern, O’Brien’s termination was sealed when she suggested to Goldberg that Collins, whom she viewed as incapable of managing the agency, might need to be removed.
Stern also claimed that Goldberg accepted complaints from anonymous sources while disregarding testimonies in O’Brien’s favor, including those from former CCC Chair Steven Hoffman and current CCC Commissioner Kimberly Roy. He further accused Goldberg and her general counsel of refusing to testify and provide relevant documents.
Although O’Brien’s legal team didn’t specify whether they would challenge the dismissal, Stern emphasized their commitment to truth and justice.
The CCC has been without a chair since O’Brien’s suspension last September and without an executive director since Collins went on parental leave the same month, eventually resigning in December. The remaining commissioners have struggled to agree on who should assume leadership duties, and Acting Executive Director Debra Hilton-Creek had her role reduced after being selected for the position.
Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro urged lawmakers to appoint a receiver to manage the agency, but the Legislature opted for less drastic measures. Cannabis Policy Committee Chair Rep. Daniel Donahue announced plans for public hearings to address structural and accountability issues at the CCC.
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